The heart and beads are said to be natural Chinese turquoise. I'm very partial to green turquoise myself, I hope you like this
wonderful collection of stones. Green is the color associated with the heart chakra. The heart is pleasingly plump and curiously marked. The top shows 3
divisions, the underside (which is open) shows only two. It is easy to make up a love story about it, or perhaps it will tell you its own.

Ahsian (see below) assigns turquoise to the storm element, giving it the attribute of wholeness. Johari (below) mentions its use in Ayurvedic medicine
as a cure for poison and a blood purifier. Like Kunz (below) he mentions it is a protective charm for travelers and saves the wearer from accidents. He
mentions though that it only works as a protector when it is given as a gift of love to the wearer. Paine (below) mentions its specific use by salt traders
in the Himalayan region to avert sickness on their journeys.

I hope someone you love will give you this lovely piece to remind you that you are loved and protected. Perhaps you just need to call it to his attention...